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Drive-by voting or Drive-by !voting should be strongly discouraged. In the course of debates, whether for deletion, featured status, or user privileges, anyone who weighs in on the conversation should actively follow the course of said conversation. Many a debate has swung from one conclusion to another just from one persuasive, well-thought-out argument. These arguments are not always made in the first few days of a debate. Because of drive-by voters, a debate may be closed as reaching one conclusion when the majority of those offering their input would have supported an alternate conclusion, had they been actively following the conversation.
In conclusion, follow the debates where you offer input, and be prepared to strike or alter your vote (or !vote as it may be) if new information or input comes to light.